Voting Rights and Electoral Processes

Flashcards to review key concepts related to voting rights and electoral processes.

Voting

The cornerstone of democracy and the fundamental right upon which all civil liberties rest.

Ballot

The mechanism for voters to show their vote preferences, which can be in paper form or electronic.

Who can vote?

US Citizens who are 18 years old and up and meet registration and residency requirements.

Who cannot vote?

Noncitizens, those convicted of a felony, and citizens residing in US territories.

Jacksonian Democracy

A political movement that promoted the well-being of the common man and the expansion of democracy.

Reconstruction Amendments

The 13th (abolishing slavery), 14th (granting citizenship and equal protection), and 15th (prohibiting racial discrimination in voting) amendments.

Women’s Suffrage

The movement aimed at securing the right to vote for women, culminating in the passage of the 19th Amendment.

Voting Rights Act (VRA) of 1965

Legislation designed to eliminate racial discrimination in voting and ensure federal oversight of voting rights.

Pre-clearance

A requirement for certain jurisdictions to seek approval from the federal government before changing voting laws.

Political Parties

Organizations that nominate candidates for elections and promote policy ideas that align with their ideologies.

Duverger’s Law

The principle that electoral systems producing a single victor tend to encourage two-party dominance.

Voter Turnout

The percentage of eligible voters who participate in an election.

Competitive Elections

Elections characterized by a close race, leading to higher voter turnout as each vote becomes crucial.

Civic Participation

The involvement of individuals in political processes, such as voting, attending demonstrations, or running for office.

Recall Election

A procedure allowing citizens to vote to remove elected officials from office before their terms expire.

Referendum

A general vote by the electorate on a single political question referred to them for decision.